Matthew 2:1, 2. Epiphany is so easily forgotten. Let's see how a star in the night sky can teach us about Epiphany and remind us of what Jesus came to do for us and for others. Parts: A. It breaks through the darkness. B. It shines for all to see. Preached on January 8, 2012, for the Epiphany of our Lord, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy available at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Recognize-the-Epiphany-Star-Matthew2_1,2.html

Acts 4:8-12. How much we needed to be rescued! Only this baby could save us. One week after his birth, as he is circumcised on the eighth day, he is given the name Jesus. Cherish that name. For what joy that name brings as we reflect on how he has helped us through the year now ended! What hope and courage in that name for the year we've entered! Parts: A. Rescued by his blood. B. Blessed by his resurrection. Preached on January 1, 2012, for New Year's Day: The Name of Jesus, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy available at file:///home/gregg/web/hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Jesus_-The-Only-Name-That-Saves-Acts4_8-12.html

Luke 1:26-38. How astounding the angel's words to Mary! She, a virgin, will give birth to the Son of God. He will reign on David's throne forever. This baby reigns for you. Parts: A. As foretold of old. B. As the Conqueror of all. Preached on December 18, 2011, for the Fourth Sunday in Advent, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/This-Baby-Reigns-for-You-Luke1_26-38.html

Isaiah 61:1-3. “Keep Christ in Christmas.” We hear that slogan, but what does it mean? Let's listen as Christ Jesus himself speaks to us in words he had Isaiah, the prophet record. For keeping Christ in Christmas means believing his promise when he declares to you: “I’m anointed for you.” Parts: A. For you, who are the poor, brokenhearted that mourn. B. For you, to whom I bring the good news of liberty and joy. C. For you, whom the Lord has planted for his glory. Preached on December 11, 2011, for the Third Sunday in Advent, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Christ-Jesus-Declares_-_I_m-Anointed-for-You_-Isaiah61_1-3.html

Luke 1:11-20. Zechariah was not prepared for the Lord to answer. Are we ready for the Lord to act on his promises? Do you have an Advent heart prepared for Christmas? Parts: A. A heart of prayer. B. A heart of penitence. C. A heart of praise. Preached on December 4, 2011, for the Second Sunday in Advent, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/An-Advent-Heart-Is-Prepared-for-Christmas_-Lessons-from-Zechariah-Luke1_11-20.html

Genesis 6:1-3, 5-14a, 17-22. Trying to live our lives on autofocus will always give us the wrong focus. What can we learn from Noah to focus our watching, so that we are ready when Jesus returns? Parts: A. Our times are similar. B. Our faith is the same. Preached on November 27, 2011, for the First Sunday in Advent, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Print copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Focus-Your-Watching,-Just-As-Noah-Did-Genesis6_1-3,5-14A,17-22.html

Psalm 136:1. 'O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.' We say these words from Psalm 136 so often at meal time. Let's think about them as we ponder what great mercy comes from the Lord, our God. Parts: A. Remember his goodness. B. Proclaim your thankfulness. Preached on November 23, 2011, for Thanksgiving Eve, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Printable copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/What-Mercy-Comes-from-the-LORD,-Our-God_-Psalm136_1.html

Matthew 27:27-31. What splendid pomp and circumstance at royal events! But how different our King! What can we say as we see him bloody and humiliated? What can we say as we behold our King? Parts: A. How grave my sin! B. How grand my ransom! C. How gracious my cross! Preached on November 20, 2011, for the Last Sunday of End Times: Christ the King, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Printable copy available at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Behold-Your-King,-and-Say-_-Matthew27_27-31.html

Matthew 25:1-13. How do we keep genuine faith burning in our hearts so that we are ready for Jesus to return? Let's listen to Jesus' parable of the ten virgins awaiting the bridegroom, so that like the five wise ones we too are ready. Parts: A. How similar the outward appearance! B. How different the final outcomes! Preached on November 13, 2011, for end Times 3: Saints Triumphant, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN. Printable copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Keep-Genuine-Faith-Burning-Matthew25_1-13.html

Galatians 5:1-6. What chains do you where? The Apostle gives us a surprising answer. But beware of the chains that can look so beautiful, but are just as deadly. Parts: A. Cling to his righteousness in faith. B. Cling to his righteousness alone. Preached on October 30, 2011, for End Times 1: Reformation Sunday, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS), Hancock, MN. Printable copy at http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Christ-Has-Set-You-Free,-So-Stand-Firm-Galatians5_1-6.html